NEW BUSINESS

Mark Miller, City Traffic Engineer, presented staff's report on a Planning Commission recommendation to install various traffic measures on Acacia Avenue, Melody Lane, Fullerton Creek Road, and Dorothy Lane. On September 11, 2002, the Planning Commission considered a request from Rosary High School, located at 1340 Acacia Avenue, to add portable classrooms to their campus for their 2002/2003 school year. Rosary High School and the Diocese of Orange retained the Engineering firm of Linscott, Law, and Greenspan (LL&G) to conduct a field review, assess the traffic and parking conditions, and provide any necessary recommendations to the Planning Commission prior to approval.

Staff recommends that the T&CC support items numbered 1 through 7 and approve and recommend to Council items numbered 8 through 11.

Chairman Francis asked if there have been any problems relating to the parking congestion. Mr. Miller replied no. Commissioner Buck asked if a right hand and left hand turn lane will be installed on Melody Lane east of Acacia. Mr. Miller said that the width of the street is 36 feet wide. He said he can install an 18 foot lane on the south side going east and split the 18 foot lane on the north side into two 9 foot lanes, or he can make a 15 foot lane going east and put the remaining difference on the north side. Mr. Miller said that a 9 foot lane is sufficient for left and right turning vehicles at a stop intersection with a low traffic speed.

Commissioner Buck feels that a 9 foot lane is not sufficient for bicycles and feels that a 15 foot lane would be more sufficient. Mr. Miller replied that bicycles would have to merge into the traffic lane.

Commissioner Buck asked if staff discussed the 9 foot lane change with the Bicycle Users Subcommittee (BUSC). Mr. Miller replied that staff did not think it was necessary to discuss the change with the BUSC.

The hearing was opened to public comments.

Joseph Burn Simpson, 1114 North Acacia, opposes the installation of the "No Stopping Anytime" because he feels that parking will increase in front of his home as a result.

Commissioner Nowels asked staff if there is an option that allows "No Stopping Anytime" between certain hours. Mr. Miller replied that staff thought they could enforce the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. however the afternoon is when there are the most problems. Therefore staff feels that it is easier to enforce the "No Stopping Anytime" all day.

Connie Smith, Principal of Acacia Elementary School, said that the current red curb on Dorothy Lane has been a success for the school.

The public comment segment was closed.

Commissioner Ginter asked how many cars the staging area can hold at the entrance of Acacia Elementary on Acacia Avenue. Mr. Miller said that this area can hold seven cars

.

Chairman Francis reopened the public comment segment.

Connie Smith asked staff if the red curb on Acacia Avenue between Dorothy Lane and Acacia Avenue will be "No Parking" and if there will be two lanes going into Acacia Elementary. Mr. Miller said that a right turn pocket will be installed to go into the school.

Mrs. Smith said that the entrance is working well however the exit is not. Mr. Miller said that staff is currently in discussion with the school district about the exit due to on-site improvements. He said that at this point the exit will not be changed.

The public comment segment was closed.

Commissioner Robeson thinks that the proposal is good however he feels that number 10 is not advantageous to the project.

Commissioner Buck asked staff the width of Acacia Avenue. Mr. Miller said that it is 40 feet wide.

Commissioner Ginter made a motion to accept staff's recommendation for items 8 through 11 with the amendment to number 10 with "No Stopping Anytime". Commissioner Hardwick seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Commissioner Ginter made a motion to support items 1 through 7. Commissioner Hardwick seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO REMOVE THE EXISTING "NO PARKING" RESTRICTION FOR STREET SWEEPING ON YALE AVENUE BETWEEN COMMONWEALTH AVENUE AND CHAPMAN AVENUE.

Mark Miller presented staff's report to remove the existing "No Parking" restriction for street sweeping on Yale Avenue between Commonwealth Avenue and Chapman Avenue. Ms. Georgia Marsh, the property owner at 106 N. Yale Avenue, requests that the City repeal a City Resolution prohibiting parking on Yale Avenue for street sweeping purposes. The parking restriction applies to Wednesday's between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the east side and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the west side. Ms. Marsh contends that the street is no longer "affected by the trash burden caused by Fullerton College, because Yale Avenue is far enough away from the college that we rarely have students parking on it".

In December 1997, Council approved implementation of the Signed Street Cleaning Program (SSCP) within the area bounded by Chapman Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, Lemon Street, and Raymond Avenue. To date the SSCP has performed well and is generally welcomed by the area residents as an alternative to the unsanitary conditions prior to the program.

Staff conducted a parking utilization study which indicated that there were on average approximately thirty-six vehicles parked on the west side of Yale Avenue and thirty-seven vehicles parked on the east side of Yale Avenue, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is the decision of both the City Maintenance Department and the Engineering Department that the Maintenance Services Department would once again experience a difficulty in maintaining street cleanliness should the parking restriction be removed and the SSCP ended. Therefore, staff recommends that the request be denied unless there is overwhelming support from the neighborhood for its removal.

In the event the restriction is lifted, staff recommends that this issue not be allowed to be reheard for reinstatement of the restriction for a minimum of eighteen months due to the cost in removing and replacing signing, etc. Staff recommends that the T&CC deny the request to remove the existing parking restriction for street sweeping on Wednesday's between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the east side and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the west side of Yale Avenue between Commonwealth Avenue and Chapman Avenue.

Commissioner Hardwick asked if there is a problem with students leaving trash in the gutter. Gene Viramontes, Street Superintendent of the City of Fullerton Maintenance Department, replied yes.

The public comment segment was opened.

Tom Hamilton, 206 South Harrington Drive, the owner of the apartments at 715 East Commonwealth Avenue opposed any changes to the ordinance.

Chris Norby, 214 North Yale, said that for the past 5 years the streets have been properly swept. Mr. Norby also opposed any changes to the ordinance.

Bertha Tineo, 118 North Yale, opposed any changes to the ordinance.

The public comment segment was closed.

Chairman Francis would like to see a petition circulated so that the commissioners can know how everyone feels.

Commissioner Robeson cannot imagine changing the restrictions due to streets needing to be swept.

Commissioner Hardwick made a motion to accept staff's recommendation to deny the request to remove the existing parking restriction for street sweeping on Wednesdays on Yale Avenue. Vice Chairman Cochran seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO INSTALL A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT THE INTERSECTION OF STATE COLLEGE BOULEVARD AND PALMETTO DRIVE/MOUNTAIN RIDGE AVENUE.

Mark Miller presented staff's report to install a traffic signal at the intersection of State College Boulevard and Palmetto Drive/Mountain Ridge Avenue. On May 6, 2002, a fatal accident occurred at the intersection of State College Boulevard and Palmetto Drive/Mountain Ridge Avenue. As a result of the collision, staff received several requests from the surrounding neighborhood to conduct a traffic study to determine if a traffic signal is warranted at the intersection.

The area surrounding the intersection consists of seventy-one single-family properties in the housing tract east of the intersection and ninety single-family properties in the housing tract west of the intersection. The vertical grade within the intersection is 9% with unlimited visibility.

Palmetto Drive is the only access in or out of the tract of homes west of State College Boulevard with an average daily traffic volume of 324 vehicles. Mountain Ridge Avenue has an average daily traffic volume of 434 vehicles.

It should be noted that the justification for the installation of a traffic signal is based on warrant criteria established in the State of California Traffic Manual. There are eleven warrants and none of the warrants were met in the investigation. Staff also investigated the existing sight distance and signing near the intersection and found that there was adequate sight distance and that all the signs were in good condition.

Staff recommends that the T&CC deny the request for the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of State College Boulevard and Palmetto Drive/Mountain Ridge Avenue.

Commissioner Hardwick asked if the critical issue on the fatal accident was speed and not whether the intersection had a signal. Mr. Miller replied yes.

Commissioner Buck asked if staff currently has a higher priority intersection on their list other than this intersection. Mr. Miller replied yes.

Commissioner Robeson asked what the average wait for the cross streets would be if the traffic signal were installed. Mr. Miller said that it would be 50-70 seconds.

The public comment segment was opened.

The following individuals were in favor of the traffic signal installation due to most of them almost being rear-ended at the intersection.

Chairman Francis asked if the problem is accelerator lanes. Mr. Miller said that the outside lanes would have to be shifted closer to the curb and remove the raised median to install accelerator lanes.

Vice Chairman Cochran asked what the criteria would be for installing a "No Right-Turn" on a red light. Mr. Miller said that he would not recommend it at this particular intersection.

Commissioner Buck asked how they should treat the warrants due to the developers installing traffic signals at other intersections. Robert Hodson, Director of Engineering, stated that staff asks the developers to do a traffic study and put a cash bond for 5 years to see if the warrants are met. If the warrants are met then the traffic signals are installed.

Commissioner Buck asked how staff got the 85th percentile speed. Mr. Miller said that a radar gun scans a minimum of 100 cars.

Commissioner Ginter feels that the residents that have spoken have made a very compelling argument. He asked if a 35 mile speed limit or a four way stop could be enforced. Mr. Miller replied that the city cannot enforce the speed limit by radar if it is lowered below what is posted and that the intersection is not warranted for a four way stop.

Commissioner Nowels feels that about 70% of the issues could be relieved if accelerator lanes are installed.

Commissioner Hardwick feels that the fatal accident would not have been prevented with a traffic signal.

Vice Chairman Cochran also feels that a traffic signal will not make this intersection safer.

Chairman Francis stated that his decision is not based on the fatality that occurred however he does feel that it was a sad fatality.

Commissioner Buck made a motion to support the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of State College Boulevard and Palmetto Drive/Mountain Ridge Avenue. Commissioner Ginter seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO INSTALL 1-HOUR PARKING ON W. PRINCETON CIRCLE.

Mark Miller presented staff's report to install a parking restriction on W. Princeton Circle. Staff received a petition from Ms. Sandra Banack, the property owner at 620 W. Princeton Circle, requesting that the City post both sides of W. Princeton Circle for 1-hour parking. The residents of W. Princeton Circle expressed irritation over the number of vehicles currently using their street for off-campus parking. Residents complain of driveway approaches and street right-of-way being impaired by parked vehicles; excessive noise from vehicles and car stereos; heavy traffic volumes similar to cruising; and excessive speeds due to students being in a hurry to get to class. Complaints also find student parking the primary reason for excessive litter in the gutter as well as damage to personal property. Of the forty-two properties that front or side W. Princeton Circle, thirty-four (81%) signed the petition requesting limited parking.

Staff conducted a parking utilization study which indicated that the peak parking period occurred between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Staff notified all residents adjacent to both West or East Princeton Circle, as well as Brookdale Place of the hearing, asking that they respond in writing or by telephone as to their preference.

It should also be noted that the City itself experienced numerous complaints from Downtown merchants regarding student parking in the Downtown area. In response to their complaints at Council on September 17, 2002, additional employee spaces were added to the Wilshire Parking Structure and student parking discouraged.

It should also be noted that Fullerton College is cooperating with the City to address their parking needs while minimizing the impact student parking has on the surrounding residential street.

Based on insufficient data and a need for additional time to discuss this situation with the College and to look at other changes in the area, staff recommended that the T&CC postpone any decision affecting parking on Princeton Circle or the surrounding streets until additional studies are done.

Commissioner Buck asked staff what additional data they are looking for. Mr. Miller said that staff will be meeting with Fullerton College on Wednesday October 9, 2002 to review their plans to install a parking structure.

The public comment segment was opened.

The following individuals are in favor of the parking restriction on Princeton Circle due to the excessive amounts of trash on their street and the lack of parking:

Commissioner Robeson has noticed a problem in the neighborhood however he feels that the 1 hour restriction will be a burden upon the residents.

Vice Chairman Cochran does not feel the restriction will eliminate the trash problem but create a burden on the residents.

Commissioner Buck said that restrictions are placed around Cal State Fullerton and does not see why the restriction can not be placed near Fullerton College.

Commissioner Ginter asked staff if the Fullerton College administration has been appraised of the trash, traffic, and noise problem to let their student body aware of the problem. Mr. Ginter said that he has never made a comment regarding the conditions of Princeton Circle neither in public nor in private.

Commissioner Hardwick said that a 2 hour restriction would be more appropriate. Mr. Hardwick does not feel he can support the 1 hour restriction because it will be a burden on the residents and the students. He supports staffs recommendation for more time to meet with the college.

Commissioner Nowels feels that whether the parking structure at Fullerton College is built or not there will still be students parking on Princeton Circle.

Chairman Francis stated that he cannot support the 1 hour restriction due to Princeton Circle being a public street not a private street. Mr. Francis said that they should not continue with this item because there is better parking underway by Fullerton College. He said that this item should be revisited once the parking structure is built.

Commissioner Hardwick made a motion to accept staff's recommendation to give staff more time to meet with Fullerton College. Vice Chairman Cochran seconded the motion.

AYES: Cochran, Hardwick, Francis NAYES: Buck, Ginter, Nowels, Robeson

The vote was 3 to 4 and the motion was denied.

Commissioner Buck made a motion to support placing the 1 hour parking restriction on Princeton Circle West; Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Commissioner Nowels seconded the motion.

AYES: Buck, Ginter, Nowels NAYES: Cochran, Hardwick, Francis, Robeson

The vote was 3 to 4 and the motion was denied.

Commissioner Robeson made a motion to place a 2 hour parking restriction on Princeton Circle West; Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Commissioner Buck seconded the motion.

AYES: Buck, Ginter, Hardwick, Nowels, Robeson NAYES: Cochran, Francis

The vote was 5 to 2 and the motion was approved.

CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO REMOVE THE OVERNIGHT PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF LOMA VERDE DRIVE BETWEEN GILBERT STREET AND SUNSET LANE.

Mark Miller presented staff's report to remove the overnight parking restrictions on both sides of Loma Verde Drive between Gilbert Street and Sunset Lane. Staff did an investigation and found that the houses on the north side of Loma Verde did not meet the requirements for the overnight parking exemption. However, on the south side of Loma Verde there are apartments that according to the standards are deficient.

Staff recommends supporting the request for overnight parking only on the south side of Loma Verde Drive.

The public comment segment was opened.

Dale Miura, 2256 Loma Verde Drive, is for the exemption because of her need for parking.

Armando Casas, 2265 Loma Verde Drive, opposes the exemption because he feels that many people will park on his street if approved.

Robert Bradburn, 1741 Sunset Lane, opposes the exemption because he is concerned about his safety.

Commissioner Ginter said that the off-street parking deficiency exists therefore he favors the exemption on the south side of Loma Verde Drive.

Commissioner Buck said that since the majority is no longer represented then he is opposed to the exemption.

Commissioner Robeson opposes the exemption on the south side of Loma Verde because the commission has voted for no overnight parking on streets.

Commissioner Ginter made a motion to accept staff's recommendation to allow overnight parking on the south side of Loma Verde Drive. Commissioner Hardwick seconded the motion.

AYES: Cochran, Ginter, Hardwick, Nowels NAYES: Buck, Francis, Robeson

The motion passed 4 to 3.

CONSIDERATION OF A STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO DESIGNATE THE BOTH SIDES OF ORANGETHORPE AVENUE BETWEEN RAYMOND AVENUE AND ACACIA AVENUE FOR "NO STOPPING ANYTIME".

Mark Miller presented staff's report to designate the both sides of Orangethorpe Avenue between Raymond Avenue and Acacia Avenue for "No Stopping Anytime". The only business which objected to the installation was Allied Fence and Supplies, Inc. The capacity is needed at the intersection.

Staff recommends that the T&CC recommend to Council that both sides of Orangethorpe Avenue, between Raymond Avenue and Acacia Avenue, be designated for "No Stopping Anytime".

CONSIDERATION OF A STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO REMOVE THE EXISTING 2-HOUR PARKING ON THE NORTH SIDE OF COMMONWEALTH AVENUE FROM 400-FEET EAST OF DALE STREET TO 1,725-FEET WEST OF MAGNOLIA AVENUE AND INSTALL "NO STOPPING ANYTIME".

Mark Miller presented staff's report to remove the existing 2-hour parking on the north side of Commonwealth Avenue from 400-feet east of Dale Street to 1,725-feet west of Magnolia Avenue and install "No Stopping Anytime".

Mr. Miller stated that there is a development going in on the south side of Commonwealth Avenue and a left-turn pocket will need to be installed at the intersection.

Staff is requesting that the 2 hour parking be removed on the north side of Commonwealth Avenue and establish "No Stopping Anytime". Since this area is adjacent to the Airport, there is no need for the parking.